Filipina Olympian Hidilyn Diaz shared her thoughts on weightlifting making its way back to Palarong Pambansa. The Tokyo 2020 Gold Medalist expressed how this is a great start to introduce the sport across the country which brought pride to the Philippines.
While weightlifting may be a demonstration sport for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa, this is a welcome development for Hidilyn and her goal to make everyone see the beauty of her sport.
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“Weightlifting is being re-introduced in the Palarong Pambansa and now part as a demo sport- and that means more young Filipinos will finally get to experience the strength and spirit of this sport,” she wrote.
She added how this goes beyond the medals and podiums if they truly want to see the sport flourish in the country. A demonstration sport is a sport which is played to promote rather than be part of the standard medal competition.
“We need to go to the grassroots—to the places where kids have never touched a barbell, yet carry the same fire and potential I once had,” she added.
Hidilyn admitted that it’s tiring and challenging for her and her team as she’s working across all 17 regions for the Palarong Pambansa. Despite this, it keeps her motivated as she wants to encourage every child through weightlifting.
“It’s fulfilling—because this is more than just lifting weights. Because this isn’t just about lifting weights. It’s about lifting dreams. Showing every child that they are strong, capable, and deserving of a chance to chase something bigger,” she said.
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For the Filipino Olympian, she has found her mission–– to keep showing up no matter what for the sport she loves the most.
“I’m here to keep showing up—for the next generation of lifters and for the future of Philippine weightlifting,” she ended.
The Palarong Pambansa will be happening Ilocos Norte from May 24 to June 2 and will be attended by thousands of Filipino athletes from across the country.